THE leader of a prominent Prestwich charity has had the honour of meeting The Queen.

Karen Phillips, the chief executive officer of The Fed, which runs Heathlands Village Care Home in Prestwich, met the Queen at a lunch at Manchester Town Hall.

It was hosted late last year by the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Warren Smith, who is The Queen’s representative for the county.

Karen, aged 62, has an MBE and is one of 10 deputy lord lieutenants for the country.

The mother-of-three began volunteering for good causes when she was aged 17 and has helped The Stroke Association, adult and young offenders and Manchester Jewish Social Services.

At The Fed, she manages a team of 400 staff and 450 volunteers.

Karen said: “In my role as deputy lieutenant I’ve been fortunate enough to present at citizenship ceremonies and attend various events.

“Meeting The Queen and having the opportunity to tell her about our work was a real honour.

“I was fortunate enough to meet other charity leaders who are doing some inspirational work locally.”